Vauxhall Adam review, plenty for price

Everyone likes to express themselves. Whether it’s a new haircut, a hobby or a tailor made suit, we all feel the need, at some level, to make a statement about who we are. Increasingly, this is extending to our time on the road and the new Vauxhall ADAM is proof and this is a quick review of what makes this car standout.

On sale now, the ADAM is Vauxhall’s answer to the Fiat 500 and the MINI hatchback, and its number one selling point is personalisation. Boasting a multitude of paint colour, trim and wheel options, not to mention the three model styles (GLAM, JAM and SLAM) available, this is a city car that wants you to shout about your individuality.

At 3.7 metres long and 1.72 metres wide, the ADAM is the ideal size for nipping in and out of city traffic and wriggling into those tight parking spaces. The bold styling and bright paintwork options are intended to make it stand out, so there’s no chance of you losing it in a crowd, and the three-door, four-seat design satisfies the practical requirements of urban life.

The engine range is also centred around city life. A 69bhp 1.2-litre and two 1.4-litre petrol units with either 86bhp or 99bhp are available, providing a smooth and flexible drive around town. Get them up to speed on the motorway, however, and you’ll be wishing for a little more power under the bonnet.

What the Vauxhall ADAM lacks in sparkle it makes up for in efficiency. Running this car certainly won’t break the bank, delivering around 55.4mpg on the combined cycle if you pick one of the 1.4-litre engines and getting emissions down to 118g/km. Factor in the lifetime warranty and you’re looking at very reasonable day-to-day costs.

Behind the wheel, you can enjoy yet more personalisation options in the form of trim, treatment and accessory combinations. Space is a drawback; adult passengers in the rear will struggle on longer journeys and there could be more room in the boot for the weekly shopping.

There’s an array of features available for your ADAM, including parking assistance and an interior roof panel that is designed to look like a starry night sky. Entry level models come well-equipped, offering air conditioning, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and cruise control, so you won’t find yourself missing the essentials.

The Vauxhall Adam is a city hatch with a £11,200 starting price and a lifetime/100,000 mile warranty, the new Vauxhall ADAM certainly offers plenty. The hardest part is configuring it and let’s face it, that’s not exactly a chore.